For Today

K/S Fanfiction
Title:	For Today
Author(s):	Kembas
Date(s):	2009
Length:
Genre:	slash
Fandom:	Star Trek: The Original Series
External Links:	on AO3
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For Today is a TOS Kirk/Spock story by Kembas.

It was published in the print zine T'hy'la #30.

Summary

"Spock is going into pon farr just as the Enterprise faces a dangerous mission on a planet were Federation citizens are targeted for violence. That's just the beginning of this wonderfully complex tale."

Reactions and Reviews

For Today is a long and very satisfying story set during the 5 year mission, which starts out with Spock informing Kirk that he will be able to perform his command duties when Kirk is planetside during a mission. Kirk is confused at first (why wouldn‘t Spock be able to perform his duties?), but this is just Spock‘s way of leading into what he really wants to say – only 20 months after the events during Amok Time, pon farr has returned. To his shock, Spock finds his captain has thoroughly researched pon farr and has his own ideas on how it should be handled this time. However, the mission must take precedence, and there‘s an engrossing middle section of this novella concerning the mission, and Kirk‘s capture and rescue by Spock. After some nice hurt/comfort scenes the story moves to Vulcan for a bonding ceremony. I liked McCoy‘s role in this, as he accompanies Kirk and Spock in case he‘s needed when Kirk and Spock consummate their bond. Also, the scenes on Vulcan with Amanda and Sarek were very enjoyable to read. Afterwards back on the ship, Spock must come to terms with his dual roles as bondmate and first officer. Although the story has some familiar themes popular with K/S writers, I was completely absorbed throughout this novella by the wonderful writing, the excellent characterizations of Kirk, Spock and McCoy, plus the author‘s own distinctive way of telling the story. This is a perfect example of how there‘s always something new and interesting to discover when we are in the hands of a good writer. I hope we see more of this author‘s work very soon!

Pon farr stories are usually not my favorite type of K/S, but I might have to make an exception for this one. Once again Spock is entering his Time, and Jim Kirk refuses to consider his friend might bond with anyone else. The two men come to an understanding, but first there is a diplomatic mission to Tharusia to get through. Federation citizens are being attacked throughout the colony and on other planets within the Castor V system. Kirk will meet with colony officials while Spock and the Enterprise investigates the outer worlds. Then Kirk is kidnapped by rebels and it‘s up to Spock to find him before it‘s too late.

The story is nicely written and kept my interest the whole way. The author‘s description of the mountain steps, mysterious passageways, and especially the secluded ―honeymoon‖ chamber were especially well done.

I hope to see more from Kembas soon.

Being unfamiliar with this author, I had no idea what to expect but was not disappointed. If I were to tell you this was an explanation of what happens when Spock realizes Pon Farr is making its second appearance in his life, you might think you’d read and heard it all. Maybe. But that doesn’t detract at all from the story as written by Kembas. To begin with, Spock has learned from his reticence in Amok Time that keeping things from his Captain two years previously is not a wise course of action. This time he takes the bull by the horns and explains everything, including his father’s efforts to find a suitable mate. The conversation between the two was extremely well done, with every nuance seeming as if I’d seen it acted on-screen. This exchange is representative of those that made me smile: Kirk asks “Who have you considered other than some stranger your father manages to scrape up?” Can’t you see the expression on Spock’s face when he questions, “Scrape up?” I won’t give away the plot, but it’s handled differently than I can remember seeing before, and with a certain class. Nice!